James O’Connor perplexed ‘most consistent performer’ is not in the conversation to solve All Blacks’ selection issue
All Blacks and Crusaders midfielder David Havili and an inset of James O'Connor.
James O’Connor can’t understand why Crusaders captain David Havili is not mentioned in the conversation for the All Blacks’ midfield conundrum.
While Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane dominated the starting centre roles during Scott Robertson’s first year in charge of the All Blacks, continuing the trend from 2023, many believe there should be a change in the midfield.
All Blacks’ midfield depth
This comes after Barrett’s short-term move to Leinster and Ioane’s underwhelming and inconsistent performances for club and country since moving off the wing into the centres.
Hurricanes star Billy Proctor made his Test debut last year for New Zealand but wasn’t able to dislodge Ioane or Barrett, earning just two caps. While he missed a long chunk of the Super Rugby season through injury, he returned in fine form in the latter stages, which has reignited the debate.
Meanwhile, Highlanders star Timoci Tavatavanawai has shot into contention after his blockbuster shifts throughout the year, with former scrum-half Justin Marshall dubbing him “Ma’a Nonu on steroids”.
The imminent return of Leicester Faingaʻanuku to the Crusaders in 2026 creates further depth as he could be recalled to the Test set-up before he features in Super Rugby Pacific again.
In Anton Lienert-Brown’s absence, Quinn Tupaea and Daniel Rona have impressed for the Chiefs, which only further highlights the depth at Robertson’s disposal.
Still, Crusaders utility back Havili is rarely mentioned in the All Blacks conversation, with some even surprised by his inclusion in the squad last year, which perplexes O’Connor.
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Havili’s strengths
“Everyone is throwing up names for the All Blacks’ 12 and I’m like, ‘why isn’t Davey in the picture?'” the Wallabies playmaker said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Australia & New Zealand podcast.
“He’s been the most consistent performer [this season].
“I’ve played with some great players…but he’s one of the best players I’ve played with in terms of IQ, skill-set, he’s a dog, he can hit, whack, read [on defence], he’s got it all.
“He is not undervalued but I’d love to see him get another crack.”
Former All Black Marshall agreed with O’Connor, saying that he “is in my conversation every day of the week.”
“He’s got a skill set that a lot of other 12s in the world don’t have,” he continued.
“And a lot of it’s vision-based, he can rip a right-to-left and a left-to-right pass when the pressure is on.
“He bumps people off, and he just reads the game so well. He is definitely in my All Blacks squad, for sure.”
O’Connor also hailed Havili’s communication on the pitch with him and Will Jordan ranking among the ‘biggest talkers’ in a game that the Wallabies star has played alongside.
